International Transport Workers’ Federation Calls on Houthis to Stop Attacking Commercial Ships
Yemen Monitor/Newsroom:
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has called on the Houthi group to cease all attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, de-escalate threats to shipping, and release seafarers who still held hostage.
Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the ITF, said: “For far too long, seafarers working in these waters have had to endure unacceptable risks.”
He said the missile attack on the warship “Al-Theqa Al-Haqiqya” was perhaps the most painful reminder that promises alone do not save lives. “We need assurances of lasting de-escalation now,” he said.
He called on the Houthi group to immediately halt all hostilities, release all currently detained crews and provide tangible guarantees that no other seafarer will suffer the same fate. Until that happens, shipping companies and charterers must take every possible step to avoid putting seafarers’ lives at risk in this region.”
The ITF said it remains deeply concerned about the Houthis’ continued detention of the crew of the vessel Galaxy Leader, which was seized on 19 November 2023 – and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.
David Heindel, the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section Head and President of the International Seafarers’ Federation, said: “The safety of the kidnapped seafarers must remain a priority amid these rapid developments.
He urged the Houthi leadership to take immediate steps towards the release of all captive seafarers – this is an urgent and necessary matter.”
Many in the industry warn that the Red Sea trade route remains “fraught with danger” for the foreseeable future. The ITF urges shipping companies and charterers to divert vessels away from the danger zone until the safety of seafarers can be assured.
Heindel said: “The ITF is committed to working with governments, industry stakeholders and all relevant parties to reach a lasting solution. However, until clear and verifiable assurances are in place to guarantee the safe passage of vessels through the Red Sea, we urge the industry to prioritize the safety of seafarers above all else. Their welfare should never be compromised for commercial reasons.”
